Sun Peaks community gathers to honour service members at Remembrance Day ceremony

Sun Peaks community members gathered in front of the new flagpole at the Sun Peaks Centre on Nov. 11 for a Remembrance Day ceremony honouring Canadian veterans, active military members and those who lost their lives serving their country. 

The ceremony, hosted by the Rotary Club of Sun Peaks, and organized by club member Melissa Vike, brought residents together to reflect on the sacrifices made by those who served.

“Nov. 11, Remembrance Day, is the day Canadians remember the brave men and women who have served and continue to serve our country during times of war, conflict and peace,” Vike said. 

In her opening remarks, Vike reflected on the significance of Remembrance Day, which marks the end of the First World War on Nov. 11, 1918, at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month. 

She also spoke about the freedoms Canadians often take for granted, connecting those sacrifices to everyday life in Sun Peaks. 

“What is the snow base? What runs will open next weekend? Where should we celebrate the opening of the snow season? This is peace. This is freedom,” Vike said. 

Vike emphasized the importance of remembering not only those who lost their lives, but also the families, medical workers and communities affected by war. 

“We are forever indebted,” she said. 

Following Vike’s opening remarks, Sun Peaks Mayor Jason White addressed attendees, thanking Vike for her continued efforts to organize the annual gathering and provide the community with an opportunity to honour those who served. 

White reflected on the importance of recognizing the sacrifices made by Canadian and Allied forces throughout history, referencing battles including Vimy Ridge and beaches of Normandy. 

He acknowledged the continued service of Canadian Armed Forces members, recognizing those who train and deploy around the world. 

“In closing, I’d like to ask that we make valiant efforts to continue to educate our youth and keep the dialogue of our military’s history as a very important part of our day-to-day lives,” he said. 

Following the speeches, The Last Post was played, followed by two minutes of silence as attendees paused to remember those who lost their lives in service. 

Retired Warrant Officer Robin Kierstead and Sun Peaks ski patroller Xander Hawes then participated in the Act of Remembrance and the Commitment to Remember, inviting attendees to join in the words, “We will remember them.”

Vike also shared the significance of the poppy, explaining how the flower became a symbol of remembrance following the First World War. She explained that the artillery bombardments across the Flanders disturbed the soil, allowing dormant poppy seeds to germinate and spread across the battlefields.

“The poppy does not glorify war; it simply highlights its consequences, a warning label for what happens when conflict eclipses diplomacy,” she said. 

Following Vike’s explanation, Kierstead recited In Flanders Fields, the poem written by Canadian physician and soldier John McCrae during the First World War. 

Children also participated in the ceremony, coming forward to display remembrance wreaths in honour of those who served. 

As Vike reminded attendees during her opening remarks, “We will never forget. We will remember you.”